The Opening Lap

“You wore that hat and the jacket again?”

The young girl teasingly smiled at Nick. Nick’s hat and bomber jacket were a deep black of both pieces accented with deep gold text and striping. The numerous brand logos plastered all over the sleeves and back defined this outfit as merchandise from a racing team. As the crowd in the auditorium emptied, gradually the two seemed to form a bubble, where the outside world wouldn’t dare interrupt.

“What’s wrong with it? It gives me good luck and considering I get to talk to you like this after your big performance, I like to think it’s worth it!” The boy glanced away awkwardly, the words having come out faster than his brain would have preferred.

The girl let out a small laugh. “Wow, so the luck was meant for you. I see. What if I wanted the same luck that Enstone Racing had this year?” The girl jokingly cupped one hand in a fist and playfully hit Nick, the other hand clutching a bouquet of flowers.

As if realizing something, the girl’s eyes widened. “I got that right…right?”

“Um sort of Areum”, Nick replied, words accented with a soft laugh. “The Enstone Special Racing car this year has been really good. Not good enough to fight for the championship, but I think they have a solid shot at getting fourth place this year!”

The girl gave a big smile and laughed. Her long and curled black hair contrasted beautifully with her white dress. The auditorium had emptied by this time, but to Nick the background had become rose colored, nothing in the world existed save for the person in front of him.

“Your big audition is next week isn’t it Areum? I’m not sure how this kind of thing works but I suppose this was practice right?” Nick asked.

“You could say that,” Areum shuffled her feet. “Hopefully it goes well, the first step to becoming an idol. You have your dream too right, to be a Formula One driver? This coming season for Formula 3 is going to be your big shot right?”

Nick nodded. “Yeah, the winner of this series gets their next series paid for. The plan was to use it to race in the Japanese Formula series. Hopefully there, I can get some publicity”

Areum stepped toward Nick. “Well looks like we both have to work hard. Thank you for coming though! Really it means a lot. I’m so, so glad I have you to support me.”

Pulling Nick toward her, the two hugged deeply-

THUD.

“What the? We’re here?” Nick said with a groggy tone, opening his eyes from what seemed to be a deep snooze.

“Yeah, we just landed at Incheon. You good? Seemed like you were enjoying whatever dream you were having. You were mumbling in your sleep for like five hours straight.” The person standing over his seat responded. He was a slightly older man, maybe in his late 30s, with slightly graying hair that grazed his black-framed glasses. He was wearing a black polo jersey, with all kinds of logos and aggressive splotches of gold adoring the jersey on all sides. In large red lettering emblazoned on his chest were the words “Enstone TS Racing”.

Nick turned to face him, the blanket covering him falling to reveal he was wearing a sweater with the same exact coloring.

“Something like that. I needed the rest Marcus, plus I forgot to download my favorite anime on Netflix before we took off. You should have reminded me!”

“I’m your agent. I handle PR, appearances, and crisis management, not how you choose to entertain yourself on flights”. Indeed, this was Marcus Hale, Nick’s agent and his closest confidant. “Anyway, hurry up and get up. We got a lot on the schedule. Nick Young, the sensational rookie signed to Enstone TS who is poised to represent the changing of the guard in F1!”

“I just cringed at that,” Nick got up and straightened his outfit. This was his life. Nineteen and already drowning in contract offers, Enstone had barely announced his signing before shipping him halfway across the world. For someone not coming from a particularly wealthy family, nor one with a history in motorsport, Nick had demonstrated great skill and potential behind the wheel and has attracted a following, both in his home country of America and abroad, challenging historical driver norms and resonating with fans everywhere. Indeed, he was an underdog that anyone could root for. “Alright, let’s get this going.”

As the two stepped out of the plane, he was greeted by an older gentleman, thinning white hair slicked back trying very hard to cover what seemed to be balding, along with an entourage. The gentleman wore a formal shirt, with the same colors and branding as Nick and Marcus, tucked into black suit pants and boots.

“There he is…my newest star! Welcome to the beautiful land of Korea!”

“Well Jonathan, glad to be here.” Nick responded, smiling and shaking hands with the man. This was Jonathan Reyes, Team Principal and Owner of Enstone TS. He simply stood there, tall, broad-shouldered, posture straight as a steel beam, and the room adjusted around him. His slick-backed silver hair was combed with the same precision he demanded on track, and his dark suit fit him like a classic mob boss. His eyes, cold blue and always calculating. “More importantly, are the sponsors happy? You know me, I suck at media and PR training.”

“We all know that, Nickie. But luckily you aren’t the main focus for these upcoming events. Korea is now back on the F1 calendar, this time a street circuit running deep through the Olympic Village of Seoul. Naturally, Seoul wanted to bring all the drivers and teams to the city to promote. It’s a night of mingling with local celebrities and business executives who sponsor the venue and teams. You listen to that Korean pop music right? Who knows, you might see some of your favorite singers here!”

“It’s just called ‘K-pop’ Jonathan”, Nick corrected with a sigh, “But sure. As long as I don’t have to say more than a sentence in front of a crowd, I’m sure I’ll manage just fine”

The crowd gradually made their way from the runaway and into the airport. The sliding doors opened and near instantly, camera flashes from the cordoned off area bombarded his eyes. Indeed this was the life of a driver in the world’s premier racing series, flashing cameras and delighted crowds greeting everywhere. Airport announcements echoed faintly, drowned out by the myriad of voices that were calling, and sometimes screaming, out to Nick as fans held up homemade signs with his name in various fonts and colors. Nick stopped in front of a female fan with a particularly interesting sign. He read the sign aloud.

“’Nick, drive me crazy but not into a wall!’ What is that supposed to mean?”

“OH MY GOD, NICK PLEASE TAKE A SELFIE WITH ME,” the fan responded, her large grin visible even through her black facemask. “I SKIPPED SCHOOL TO SEE YOU!”

Nick obliged, turning around to take a picture with the girl. Charmingly with a laugh, Nick leaned in, as if sharing a secret.

“That’s bold, well if you get detention then I hope it was worth it”. With a wink, Nick turns around and continues. The girl began excitedly screaming to her friends next to her, just loud enough for Nick to hear through all the other sounds. A tiny burst of warmth in the middle of an almost suffocating welcome, Nick could feel it.

Stepping back into the current, Nick instinctively was carried toward the exit doors. As phones flashed and reporters shouted, Nick noticed something that immediately grabbed his attention.

He wasn’t prepared for it.

A massive digital billboard towers over the terminal entrance, bright enough to wash the whole plaza in soft pink light. On it was a woman, and amazingly beautiful woman at that. Her face filled the entire screen with her delicate features, bright eyes framed by soft waves of chestnut hair, gentle beauty that looked natural and effortless. Her smile was slight, not over-the-top and staged, but one that shined brightly, nonetheless. Her earrings sparkled in the looped video. She tilted her head, her expression remaining warm and graceful. Above her image, neon lettering glowed:

“’AREUM – BACK TO YOU’ COMEBACK SHOWCASE THIS WEEK”

Nick’s breath stutters. A long-held memory cuts through him faster than the sharpest blade.

“You better remember me when you’re famous,” the memory played.

Nick laughed, grabbing the attention of his agent who had caught up to him.

“You a fan of her or something?” Marcus asked, “I know you’re into that kind of music.”

“Something like that,” Nick exhaled, a slight ache in his chest creeping in. “Her name is Areum, she’s a really big star right now and she just released a new song”

“Ah, I see. Well you have time to listen to the song later, our vans are here and we still got a lot to get through today”

“Yeah, of course” Nick continued, the fans shouting in the distance now muffled, as if his ears were underwater.

Finally arriving at the black vans, Nick climbed into the van followed by Marcus. The door slid shut with a heavy THUNK. The noise from the outside cut off instantly. The van pulled away, blending into the stream of traffic.

Seoul’s neon lights smeared across the windows as they passed. Pink. Blue. Gold. Digital specters that seemed to follow you everywhere you looked. But all Nick could see was the pink glow from the billboard back at the airport, the soft halo around her face, the way her eyes seemed to follow him even in digital form.

He shook his head hard, staring out into the city.

He shouldn’t think about this. Not now. Not after all these years.

Scrolling through an itinerary on a tablet, Marcus interrupted the brooding session. “Okay, so first things first, the sponsor gala. Nothing crazy of course, just mingle, smile, don’t say anything that’ll get me fired. After that, dinner with the team execs and Jon—”

“I know the schedule,” Nick cut in more sharply than he probably meant to.

Marcus paused. “Alright, just make sure you’re actually present. You were spacing out a bit in the airport earlier”.

Nick exhaled slowly, loosening the tension in his face. “Sorry, just tired is all.”

“Tired doesn’t mean you freeze in the middle of the airport,” Marcus says, tone knowing. He raises a brow but decides to not push further. Clearing his throat, Marcus continued. “This event is hosted by Orion Electronics, the massive tech company here. They’re looking to expand partnerships into motorsport, and this season we’re looking at a potential title sponsorship opportunity.”

Nick glanced over. “Seriously? Title?”

Marcus nodded. “Seriously. Listen, these guys hold deep pockets. Now Enstone has the fundamentals of the car down for this coming season, but securing this partnership means we can get a huge jumpstart on development that should end even before the mid-season. The new aero parts we’ve been working on have shaved off about a second in the sims, so it’s looking promising.”

Nick rubbed the back of his neck. “If this works out, then that improvement should help us challenge the front runners earlier than expected.”

“Precisely. So, you need to go in there, shake hands, take photos and use some of that charm to let them see that you’re the driver they want to back their investment. Now you must back it up this season too. No company wants to support someone in dead last. Now listen. People love you because you look real. Reyes values that, I value it, the whole team does. So put up with this event and get your head in the game.”

“Alright fine. Work first. Looks like we’re here”.

Indeed, the van had just pulled up into the hotel they were staying at, the L’Enclave Hotel. A beautiful and luxurious tower of glass and gold, Nick couldn’t help but take the scenery in. Bellboys scrambled forward. A doorman in a black coat rushed to open the van door before Nick could even reach for it.

Marcus tucked away his tablet. “Alright, Young. Go inside, shower, do whatever it is you need to get ready. I’ll meet you downstairs in three hours.”

A Few Hours Later

The ballroom doors swept open, revealing the full spectacle of the gala. Hundreds of lights, and thousands of eyes all meshing in what can only be described as a sensory menagerie. Golden light spilled down from massive chandeliers, shaped like crystal engines. The ceiling featured crystals, scattering tiny sparks of color across the polished marble floors while ceiling arches high above draped over with black fabric that shimmered with each ray of light that hit.

Along the walls, massive LED panels cycled through clips of Enstone’s races: montages of sleek cars speeding through the rain, dramatic overtakes in tricky corners, and pit crews moving with choreographed speed and precision. In between the clips were teaser ads for Orion Electronics, showing off bold, clean and futuristic concepts.

Elsewhere, tables covered in deep navy cloths lined the edges of the hall, all adorned with glass vases filled with gold orchids. Waiters weaved in and out of the crowds, carrying trays of champagne and miniature French canapés shaped like Formula One cars, with the occasional blue cocktails also making appearances.

A live string quartet was playing on a raised stage, their elegant yet modern renditions of pop songs added a modern vibe to the classical polish.

High above, a balcony hosted VIPs and industry veterans, their conversations drifting down like smoke.

“Rumor is Enstone’s got a solid car this season. If this deal lands, they could really put pressure on Scuderia Rosso, Silver Arc and TaurusForte.”

“Their new driver looks like he’s got some potential too. But this is a cutthroat sport. If he doesn’t start getting results in the first few races, he’s axed.”

Clusters of media personnel lingered near the front, adjusting cameras and whispering into earpieces. As they conversed, the double doors to the ballroom swung open and the soft conversations spilled out like warm air from a furnace.

Nick stepped in beside Marcus, posture straight, expression neutral, and suit immaculate, and the room reacts instantly. His black suit was subtly textured, not glossy or matte but the perfect in-between that catches the golden chandelier to reveal clean and controlled lines of gold. Underneath, his shirt was a crisp ice-gray, making his dark hair and eyes stand out. Complementing the top was a charcoal tie along with a luxury gold watch on his wrist, a gift from a sponsor. Black and white sneakers supported matching black pants that were tailored to perfection. Even in a room full of executives and socialites dripping in couture, Nick looked like he belonged. The suit didn’t overpower him; it sharpened him. Refined him. Turned him into the exact version of the rising global star Enstone TS wanted the world to see.

As cameras began flashing incessantly and whispers turned into loud conversation, Marcus leaned in. “Remember, smile in small doses. Look confident.”

Nick exhaled through his nose. “Of course. This is half the PR right here.”

The two moved into the light, weaving between tables and guests as they made their way to the stage. Nick’s eyes adjusted to the glow of the venue, the glitter of all the gowns, and the flashing of cameras every couple seconds. Everything felt as if it was moving in both slow-motion and double-time simultaneously. As they arrived on stage, a chime rang through the ballroom. Soft, elegant, signaling the start of the evening. The conversations slowly tapered off and the string quartet played their final note. The stage lights warmed to a soft golden hue. A host stepped up to the podium, smiling out at the crowd.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” the host began to a round of polite applause. “Welcome to the official Orion Electronics gala, with our special guest, Enstone TS Formula One Team!”

The polite applauses rippled throughout the room.

“Tonight, we celebrate innovation, partnership, and the incredible potential of the upcoming Formula One season, which has also recently announced the return of F1 to Korea with the Seoul Street Circuit! Please welcome to the stage, Enstone’s newest driver, one of the most hotly anticipated rookies in recent F1 history, Nick Young!”

The applause swelled, met by cameras flashing like lightning. Nick stepped forward and bowed as a small token of respect, always appreciated by Korean audiences. At the podium, Nick began what was obviously a pre-written and rehearsed speech.

“Thank you,” Nick said, voice steady into the microphone. “I’m honored to be here in Seoul. The energy here… it’s unreal. I’m excited for the season, and grateful for the support of Enstone TS and Orion Electronics.”

He continued with a few lines written by Marcus about teamwork, innovation and pushing boundaries. As the room glowed with approval he stepped back and handed the mic back to the host.

“Thank you, Mr. Young. And now, to begin tonight’s festivities, we are thrilled to present a very special performance…”

Nick began walking to the end of the stage, reaching the small steps to the floor.

“…from Korea’s own beloved star, with her newest album, the one and only…Lee Areum!”

Nick stopped mid-step. The audience’s excited cheers and chatter suddenly muting in his ears. Nick caught his breath, the whole world beginning to tilt. Without thinking, he turned.

And there she was.

Areum.

Hair cascading in soft waves.

Eyes closed, lips brushing the microphone.

A graceful silhouette in a pale, shimmering dress that glows like moonlight.

Nick couldn’t move. He couldn’t blink. His lungs forgot how to work, and his pulse stuttered.

Marcus, noticing his frozen posture, whispered urgently. “Nick?”

But Nick didn’t hear him.

All he heard, felt, saw…was her.

Areum stopped mid-stage and stared, scanning the crowd, her gaze sweeping left, right, then,

Stops.

On him.

Her voice trembles for a split, barely perceptible second.

Nick’s heart slams once, like brakes before going into the first corner.